Last July, I started thinking about restaurants I should try in Upstate that I haven't had a chance to get to yet. In the last month or so, the same thoughts started creeping into my mind when Sunnyside Cafe closed (with intentions to reopen at Patrick Square this spring) and I never got a chance to truly try the food and the atmosphere there.

When I heard that news, I swore I would not let it happen again. Sure, I only tried two of the four restaurants from my last column of this kind, but I am committed to making these five happen in a far more timely manner. And I promise I will try the other two on my list.

The last time I went to Beyond the Bull, the restaurant was located in Central and I was enjoying an amazing four-course meal paired with local beers and wines. Since then, the restaurant moved to Seneca and has done some amazing things with wild game, fresh, local ingredients and a wonderful selection of wines and cheeses. I say they are amazing because I have read about the meals and events on Facebook, but I have not taken the time to get to Beyond the Bull and truly see for myself. I plan to change that soon. Very, very soon.

Another restaurant that moved is The Butcher's Block. When I was going to this eatery, it was owned by Jeff Morris and it was located on East Greenville Street near Churchill's. Now, it's on North Main Street in Anderson (at the site of the old Bill's Restaurant) and has new ownership. I hear they are putting together some wonderful steak, chicken and pork dishes there as well as offering a meat and three selection, deli sandwiches and even pre-made dishes you cook fully at home without any of the prep work. It's right here in Anderson and I still haven't been. I feel a little ashamed.

The Rough House is one of those iconic restaurants that you never want to see leave a community. It's been around since 1932 in various incarnations and now one of those incarnations is owned by someone I have not seen in a while, but certainly consider a friend. That's probably why I feel like such a schmuck for not getting down there to try some of his world famous hot dogs or addictive chili. It's a small diner-style restaurant and that is right up my alley. I promise to head that way before the end of the month. Look for me Darrow.

I thought I had enjoyed every pizza known to man in the Upstate. My waistline certainly bears that out. But it turns out I have never been to Joe's New York Pizza and, from what I understand, that is a travesty. Joe's New York Pizza has been rated among the best pies in the Upstate and is revered for its homemade sauce. Not only that, but I hear the portions are huge, the calzones are astounding and that they have a pretty darn good selection of craft beer. I'm coming, Joe's. And I'm sorry I didn't come sooner.

10. Joe's New York Pizza | Got the late, late-night munchies? Until 4 a.m., seven nights a week, you can enjoy an authentic slice of Big Apple-style pizza. The crust is properly thin and slightly chewy, and the cheese and sauce high quality. Eat it leaning against the counter and imagine you feel the subway rumbling below. | DETAILS: 7321 E. Shoeman Lane, Scottsdale. 480-947-5637, eatatjoesny.com(Photo: Photo: Cheryl Evans/The Republic)

5. Zeke's Grill and Sub, 5629 US 76, Pendleton

Every time I pass by Zeke's on my way to Pendleton or Clemson, I always have the intention of stopping on my way back and getting something from there. I have had no fewer than a dozen people tell me the food is great and I recently met one of the cooks there who was about as nice as anyone could possibly be to a stranger. The thing is, I never remember to go on my way back and, so, Zeke's remains a mystery to me. Perhaps I can make a run to Joe's New York Pizza and swing by Zeke's to pick up my lunch for the next few days.

2 Restaurants I Recommend

1. 4126, 4126 Clemson Blvd., Anderson

This fine-dining restaurant might seem small from the outside, but the flavors inside pack a wallop. Plus, the portions are good size for things like filet mignon, scallops and, especially, the bone-in pork chop.

Since I last wrote one of these, this was one of the two restaurants I finally visited. The ramen is impeccable. And now that Sake Zen is no more, it's about the closest ramen shop in this part of the Upstate.